GOOD NEWS: Milan looks to replace Giroud, who is poised to go.
It is increasingly likely that Olivier Giroud will not stay at AC Milan past the end of the current campaign, which has prompted the management to consider possible successors, according to a report.
This morning, La Gazzetta dello Sport (shown below) reported that Giroud is inclined to travel to the United States with his wife Jade and their three children, Aria, Aaron, and Evan, rather than just for vacation.
The striker has been weighing his options progressively over the past several weeks as his Milan contract comes to an end at the end of the current campaign. His goal is to attempt the Major League Soccer, but the ultimate decision will be decided later, most likely in May.
Giroud’s chances of signing a summer contract are growing, and the 37-year-old’s negotiations with the US have heated up.
The routes that could be taken
Both of the other options—an additional season in Milan or travel to another European country—remain viable but are unquestionably secondary to the primary route. A negotiation is in progress, and by the middle of March, a significant reduction in the number of potential destinations is already apparent.
To put it simply, to the New York and Los Angeles franchises. Giroud publicly discussed this in January, saying, “At the end of the season, more opportunities will open up, and I will make my decision.” This is how he envisions his future. both as a family man and a football player.
Those two words—family man—are crucial. Giroud gave football a lot and received a lot from it. Despite being 37 years old, his stats are impressive: he has already scored 12 goals in the Serie A season in addition to one each in the Europa League and the Champions League.
He would match his greatest Milan season and raise his prospects of scoring 20 goals this season—a feat he hasn’t accomplished since 2016—if he celebrated another goal in Verona this afternoon.
However, the decision will be based on family priorities rather than the demands of the profession or a decline in performance. Giroud has stated openly that he sees himself as a director in the future, and the United States may provide him with fresh opportunities in this regard.
The substitute(s)
Milan is a bystander in this scenario. They can suggest a renewal to Giroud, but they are aware that neither a technical nor financial decision will be made this time. In any case, the management needs to search elsewhere.
They have the authority to unilaterally extend Luka Jovic’s contract, and they are aware that replacing No. 9 will need a significant summer investment. Milan is searching for a youthful center striker with exceptional attributes and promise.
Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee are the first two names on the list. Zirkzee is undoubtedly not a traditional striker; instead, he is more skilled, inventive, and specific. Sesko is a predator inside the penalty area and is more physically strong. He attacks space from behind.
Both have complicated circumstances and are costly. Milan must speak with Leipzig about Sesko since they are not going to sell him for peanuts. Zirkzee has a complicated situation between Bayern Munich and Bologna, who might sign him again for €40 million.
Alternative options Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting Lisbon, Jonathan David of Lille, and Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord are all well-liked for various reasons, although David’s comeback (21 goals this season) means he won’t be available for free either.
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